How do you solve 1 3/8 = a + 2 2/6 138=a+226?

1 Answer
Feb 6, 2016

a=(-23/24)a=(2324)

Explanation:

Re-write the given equation using improper fractions in place of the mixed fractions:
color(white)("XXX")11/8=a+14/6XXX118=a+146

Subtract 14/6146 from both sides (and exchange sides for readability)
color(white)("XXX")a=11/8-14/6XXXa=118146

Convert the fractions to a common denominator
color(white)("XXX")a=(33-56)/24XXXa=335624

Simplify
color(white)("XXX")a=-23/24XXXa=2324